SUMMARY
- Kylian Mbappe linked to Real Madrid transfer, PSG seeks possible replacement if he leaves.
- Les Parisiens' President Nasser Al-Khelaifi did look upon the possibility of acquiring Al-Ittihad's Karim Benzema. It is stated to be a loan deal of around six months.
Karim Benzema has been performing well since joining the Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad in July 2023. The 36-year-old has led the front line of the club decently indulging in all his experience. In the 2023-2024 season of the Saudi league, the forward has netted nine goals and assisted five so far in his 15 appearances for the club.
On the other hand, Ligue 1 club PSG in France has been slated for a potential departure of their star winger Kylian Mbappe. The 25-year-old has been linked to a probable transfer to Real Madrid. As per the rumors PSG might be on the lookout for a potential replacement for Mbappe, in case he leaves the club.
As per ‘Transfer News Live’ on ‘X’, Les Parisiens’ President Nasser Al-Khelaifi did look upon the possibility of acquiring Al-Ittihad’s Karim Benzema. It is stated to be a loan deal of around six months. The France-born forward player can add a ton of experience and goal threat to PSG’s front line.
🚨 Nasser Al-Khelaïfi has looked into the possibility of signing Karim Benzema on loan for 6 months. 🇫🇷
The option is currently ruled out, with priority being given to defence and midfield.
(Source: @SportsZone__) pic.twitter.com/ZY0mCQgw3L
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 10, 2024
However, it has been termed that this potential loan deal option is currently not being pursued ahead by the club. The reason behind it is depicted to be club’s major priority has been given to the defense and midfield area of the team at this moment.
The 36-year-old Al-Ittihad striker has played earlier in Ligue 1 in his career. So, this move wouldn’t have taken him long to adjust. Also, it would have been interesting to see if the Saudi Pro League club would have agreed to a loan deal for a player of such caliber or not.
The Saudi Pro League future of Karim Benzema with Al-Ittihad lingers up in the air
According to a report by ‘ONEFOOTBALL’, Benzema’s future with Al-Ittihad remains in doubt. The report suggest that the forward player has been part of severe criticism by the Saudi Arabian media. His tuning with the fans of the Saudi Pro League club also isn’t too groovy at the moment.
The forward has been putting up decent on-field performances for Al-Ittihad. He has been scoring consistently. Benzema’s peculiar off-the-field attitude may have been putting him on the firing line. It has been also termed that the Al-Ittihad fans have nicknamed him “kitty”.
This type of report depicts the sour relationship between the player and the club’s supporters. Earlier, the 36-year-old was also involved in a reported brawl with Al-Ittihad’s former manager Nuno Espirito Santo. His current contract with the Saudi club runs till June 2026. It remains to be seen whether he runs his contract down with the club, or joins another club in between it.